– play held over on November 28
MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, has commended the Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) for it efforts to present on stage, its first presentation of a Guyanese written play, “Namaste,” held at the National Cultural Centre two Saturdays ago.

In delivering his address to the overwhelming gathering on November 13, Minister Anthony praised the IAC and cast members, as well as the Director of the play, Neaz Subhan for staging three Guyanese one Act plays: “Blackbush,” “Namaste” and “Goodbye Corentyne” and for promoting local theatrical works.

The Minister also paid homage to the author of the three plays, the late Sheik Sadeek, who was a National Awardee, and winner of numerous awards for his playwriting skills.

“Namaste” is about a young educated girl who is forced to abandon her aspirations to care for her sick mother. The play reflects a tale which has many pertinent messages that are relevant in today’s society.

The IAC honoured the late Sadeek, as Justice Donald Trotman received a plaque on behalf of his family, which was presented by IAC patron and Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud.

Justice Trotman expressed the family’s profound gratitude to the IAC for taking the time to stage his plays and to recognise the efforts of the late Sadeek.

He also highlighted some of his personal experiences while being friends with Sadeek.

Subhan noted that as a result of the overwhelming response to the show, the play will be staged at Skeldon, Berbice on November 27. It will also be repeated at the National Cultural Centre on November 28 at 7:00 pm.

“Blackbush” examined the challenges the first settlers faced in the area, however, to date, it is critical in making Guyana self sufficient in food.

On another note, “Goodbye Corentyne” examines the phenomenon of “Town girl” marrying “country boy” or “educated” marrying the “uneducated,” which places strain on marriage.

The plays aim to examine situations that are prevalent in today’s world.
The IAC, while honouring Sadeek, hoped that many salient messages contained within will provide opportunities for introspection with the expectation that changes where necessary can be implemented.